Here is the newest member in Montblanc High Artistry: A Celebration of the Taj Mahal collection. These breathtaking writing instruments invite us into the magnificent realms of ancient India and pay tribute to the rich artistic traditions of the Mughal dynasty. In total this collection is made up of six different pieces: Three limited to one single edition: Limited Edition 1 Black Myth, Limited Edition 1 Insignia of Power and Limited Edition 1 Tears of the Moon, and then a Limited Edition 5, 10 and 76.
Montblanc Taj Mahal
A universally admired masterpiece, the Taj Mahal is the ‘jewel of the Mughal Empire’, the ultimate expression of the skill, creativity and opulence of this dynasty. With its own passion for craftsmanship and
artistry, Montblanc brings to life the exceptional beauty of the art, architecture and craftsmanship that flourished under the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
Many techniques have been used to bring to life the fascinating world of the Mughal from stone cutting and setting to hand engraving, enamelling and elaborate gold work. While materials and gemstones may be different from one edition to the next, each one features a slightly curved shape inspired by a traditional Mughal dagger, an insignia of power. The cap top is reminiscent of the dome of the Taj Mahal, built during the Golden Age of the Mughals. The forepart of the pen features an intricate display of traditional Mughal decorations – India’s famous landmark. While the edition does not feature a clip, a peacock feather adorns the front of the writing instrument, a reference to the peacock throne made for Shah Jahan in the early 17th century. Featuring two open gilded peacock’s tails set with diamonds, rubies and other precious gemstones, it was regarded as one of the most magnificent throne ever made.
Montblanc Taj Mahal
Limited Edition 1 Black Myth
As its name suggests the black and white coloration of this edition is inspired by the legend that Shah Jahan planned to build himself a mirror image of the Taj Mahal—only in black. Lore says it was intended to stand on the opposite side of the Yamuma River from his wife’s resting place. The pen is fashioned from white gold and covered with black sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds, with one 6.24-karat brilliant-cut diamond in the cap crown. The peacock feather is set with individual diamonds totaling about 13.68 carats, and its center is adorned with a round opal cabochon that may be detached to reveal a lotus flower in the mother-of-pearl marquetry beneath. The 18-karat white gold pen nib is engraved with two lovebirds, and is set with a brilliant-cut diamond.
Montblanc Taj Mahal
Limited Edition 1 Insignia of Power
Shah Jahan received a personal dagger from his father in the Mughal tradition at the time of his crowning, confirming his powerful status. Inspired by this, the writing instrument is made of 18-karat yellow gold decorated with rough rubies and crowned with a 6.42-karat old mine diamond in recognition of India’s famed diamond mines. The peacock feather is set with baguette and individual-cut diamonds—approximately 16.78 carats—and the center is adorned with an engraved ruby cabochon that may be detached to reveal a miniature enamel painting of a daisy, a symbol of love. Here, too, the 18-karat gold nib is engraved with two lovebirds, and it is set with a brilliant-cut diamond.
Limited Edition 1 Tears of the Moon
Emeralds, called “tears of the moon” at the Mughal Court and throughout the Empire, were often inscribed with sacred text and were worn as personal talismans, passed from father to son. This writing instrument is made of 18-karat yellow gold decorated with rubies, emeralds and diamonds set in a style recalling Kundan stone setting. A 6.10- carat step-cut emerald is at its crown, and the peacock feather is set with about 14.79 carats of diamonds. And individual rose-cut diamond detaches to reveal a miniature enamel painting of a bird. The 18-karat yellow gold nib is again engraved with two lovebirds, this time set with a tsavorite.
Montblanc Taj Mahal
